Canaman slams MNWD over month-long water shortage

By Paulo DS. Papa

RESIDENTS of Canaman, Camarines Sur, have criticized the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) for the lack of potable water supply in their town for more than a month.

In response, MNWD spokesperson Choppy Dela Cruz explained on Monday that the old water pumping station in Canaman was decommissioned in February after the underground spring water diminished and became contaminated with bacteria.

The contamination, according to Dela Cruz, was likely due to nearby commercial developments and confirmed through MNWD evaluations.

Following the closure, the water supply to Canaman has relied on pumping stations in Barangays Pacol and Carolina in Naga City. However, these stations have proven inadequate to meet the town’s full water needs—even during the limited night-time hours when water does reach some areas.

To address the situation, MNWD has been deploying lorry trucks to deliver safe and potable water to affected residents. The agency is also undertaking engineering works to connect parts of Barangays Tacolod, San Vicente, and Del Rosario in Canaman to the Calauag pumping station through the installation of gate valves.

Dela Cruz also disclosed that the MNWD board of directors has unanimously approved Resolution No. 051, series of 2025. The resolution updates the list of areas eligible for exemption from the minimum water charge of P125 and allows billing based solely on actual water consumption.

Among the areas affected and covered by the resolution are several communities in Naga City, Camaligan, Canaman, Gainza, and Magarao, all in Camarines Sur. In Canaman, the following barangays were included: Iquin, Liñaga, Manggayawan, Poro, San Francisco, San Jose (East and West), and San Roque.

MNWD General Manager Florencio Mongoso Jr. sought the board’s approval for the resolution to ensure fair billing practices in areas experiencing prolonged water supply disruptions.